Did You Move Back Home After College Graduation?

Vixen

First, you should “evaluate your relationship with your parents.” Author Charles Wheelan says it’s good to already have a healthy relationship with your parents because if you don’t, moving back won’t fix it; it will most likely worsen it. However if you have transitioned from being their child to their young adult, communication in an adult manner can help fix the relationship.

Secondly, you should “agree on the ground rules with your parents.” Author Jenny Blake says to discuss finances (bills, rent), guest policies, and curfew up front with your parents. There needs to be a discussion about what each others expectations are early on, adds author Barbara Ray.

Thirdly, you should “set a target move-out date.” Wheelan says that the expectation of a finite arrangement helps, even though you may not honor those exact dates.

Fourthly, you should “offer to contribute financially.” You should contribute to some finances, whether they are bills or groceries Ray says. You need to learn how to support yourself and because your parents are doing you a favor by letting you stay at home, its only fair to contribute some way. Plus it is good to learn spending habits, while you still have some help financially.

Second to last, you should “schedule check-ins.” Blake says graduates who don’t necessarily have a job right after graduation, feel as though their parents put a lot pressure on them, so to alleviate some pressure, have a scheduled check-in, in which an update on how your job search and everything is going is a good idea.

Lastly, you should “appreciate your family.” Being at home after graduation is a great opportunity to develop a new relationship that is in an adult manner, unlike it was when you were in high school says Blake. Get to know each other as friends instead of parents and child.